The end of one long journey, the beginning of another

After over a year's wait, we FINALLY moved the historic Kent Wells Sherman House this morning to the property that we bought last year. In a heavy driving rain of a dying hurricane from the Gulf of Mexico in the pre-dawn hours this morning, the house began its move from a tiny plot of land near the University to a downtown plot of land that we bought on which to locate it. We probably would have had more spectators had we better weather, but still, people did turn out to watch and many photos were taken. I followed the house's progress from start to finish, walking along as it moved toward its final destination and snapping photos along the way despite trying to hold my umbrella over me. Naturally I held my breath as the house began its move, first by delicately maneuvering over a curb, which caused me to hold my breath in fear that the house would tip over and fall off the truck, but the movers know what they are doing and did their jobs with the utmost professionalism. It did not take long to get it downtown, but the long part was maneuvering it into place. That took several hours and it's still not quite where it should be. More cribbing needs to be built at the excavation site, then the house slid slowly on to that. Then the foundation needs to be built up underneath the house, on to which it will settle, after which we can get inside to start the restoration work. for things like HVAC, electrical and plumbing, we'll need professionals to do those jobs, but for other stuff, I imagine that we can find some skilled volunteers who are willing to donate their labor out of a love of historic preservation and a chance to be a part of history. I know that I am very excited at the possibility of working on it myself. I don't know how to do much, but I do hope that I can have a chance to take this opportunity to learn a thing or two about preservation work. Suffice it to say, right now, I am well of emotion, proud, humbled, relieved. I know that this is the end of the first part of this house's journey and the beginning of a new one. To be part of a new chapter in the 155 year life of this house feels so good, because I have had my eye on this house my entire life, so it almost feels fated that I should be a part of this house's story. I kind of consider it my personal legacy in a sense. To have saved a forgotten chapter in Kent history is such a privilege and an honor and to contribute to this town's story is such a great feeling. I'm just so relieved right now that the house is where we have wanted it to be for so very long now.